NZ, US sign science cooperation agreement

Sunday, January 10, 2010

New Zealand and the United States have agreed to enhance cooperation in science and technology research to improve the shared capabilities of both nations to protect against acts of terrorism and other threats to domestic and external security.

"International collaboration in science and technology is a major part of our ongoing efforts to counter threats of terrorism. This agreement will enhance our ability to collaborate on research and share innovative technologies to ensure our mutual security and protect the public," said US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

"The Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation Contributing to Domestic and External Security Capabilities strengthens New Zealand's longstanding relationship with the US in research science and technology.

"Under the agreement, New Zealand transport security and civil defence emergency management researchers will now benefit from collaborative project work with their US counterparts," Foreign Minister Murray McCully said.

The agreement calls for close cooperation between the US and New Zealand on the development of threat and vulnerability analyses and new technologies, and strengthened collaboration on border and transport security and civil defence emergency management.

It draws on the collective technical expertise of government scientists from both countries, and encourages robust participation by universities, non-profit organization and the private sector through public-private partnerships and collaborative funding.

It was signed on Friday in Washington by Secretary Napolitano and New Zealand Ambassador Roy Ferguson.

The United States has recently concluded similar agreements with Spain, Germany, France, Israel, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.